Debra is the mother of a 7yo
& 4yo, both who have food allergies (including anaphylaxis) &
multiple food intolerances. Debra understands how overwhelming it can be when
a loved one is first assessed as having food sensitivities, and how difficult
it can be to make the adjustment. Soon after food introductions, Debras son
developed severe eczema, and even after the elimination of all the main
culprit foods, the eczema still persisted, as his intolerances included the
hypo-allergenic foods. Debra has also made that heart-wrenching dash to the
emergency when her son had his first allergic reaction. It was after this
that Debra then looked into what tests could be done on an infant to find out
what sensitivities they may have in order to prevent further reactions.

This has led Debra to educate
parents to help them recognise food sensitivities,
on how they can test & manage the sensitivities, with not only different
food choices, but also how they may be able to reduce the likelihood of any
reactions.

What is a food allergy:

A reaction of the
immune system to molecules of food  called allergens. An allergen is a
portion of food molecule that the immune system considers foreign to the
body.

Normally, foreign
molecules are removed by antibodies called immunoglobulin A (IgA), which lines our mucous membranes. IgA allows the immune system to remove foreigners
before they gain access to body tissues.

However, if the
foreign moleclues have penetrated further into
the body than they would have normally, an IgE
or non-IgA immune response occurs.

When the IgE comes into contact with foreign molecule it
release inflammatory mediators such as histamine, prostaglandins & leukotreins  this is what produces allergic
reactions such as rashes, wheezing, sinusitis, watery eyes etc. (Histamine
increases the permeability of the capillaries to white blood cells and
some proteins, to allow them to engage pathogens in the infected tissues ) (Di Giuseppe, M., et al. (2003). Nelson
Biology 12. Toronto: Thomson Canada. p. 473)

What is a food intolerance:

Similar to food
allergy as the body is reacting to what it considers a foreign molecule, however it is not an immune response. The
difference is that the body doesnt know how to handle the foreigner, so
it produces physiological symptoms.

Usually an intolerance is the result of the body not managing
or digesting a food properly. If the food is not properly managed by
digestive system, the food can disrupt the body in a variety of ways 
digestive discomfort, headaches, fever, all of which can feel like an
allergic reaction.

There is an
imbalance between the foods makeup and the ability of the body to
process and metabolize the food  proteins, sugars or other nutrients
that cannot be properly broken down, or a food constituent that the body
reacts negatively to. Constituents may cause irritations

Most common symptoms. (if you are or someone you know is suffering from
an allergy symptom, seek immediate medical attention)

Food Intolerance Symptoms

Irritable bowels

Gastritis

Ulcers

Bladder infections

Joint pain

Low back pain

Migraine

Constipation

Chronic fatigue

Depression

Food Allergy Symtpoms

Anaphylaxis 
swelling of airways & organs shutting down

Hives -most common IgE mediated food
hypersensitivity

Airway constriction

Asthma

Wheezing

Itching

Drop in blood
pressure

Shock

Weak pulse

Swollen tongue

Fainting

Itchy mouth

Drooling

Inability to
swallow

Change in voice
quality

Itchy throat

Symptoms seen in both Allergies
& Intolerances

Rapid pulse

Dizziness

Watery eyes

Runny nose

Skin rash

Skin eruptions

Abdominal cramping

Vomiting

Diarrhea

Nausea

Lightheadedness

Redness

Fever / warmth
(flushing)

Ear infections

Headaches
(non-migraine)

Sinusitis

Sore throat

Panic attacks

Anxiety

Rhinitis 
typically seen along side of other symptoms: eczema, urticaria,
oral cavity ruptures, gastro-intestinal problems

There are a number of ways to test for food sensitivities.

Food Detective (intolerance)

Tests IgG

59 common food

Quick turn around  test done in clinic, results in approx
1-24 hrs

Requires approx 1ml of blood

Hair Analysis (intolerance)

Tests 400 foods (including specific brand names)

Results take approx 2-4 weeks

Requires approx 1 tablespoon of uncoloured
hair

Pathology Testing (intolerance & allergy)

Tests IgG & some IgE

10 foods  300 foods

Need to get a referral, go to Pathology lab to have blood
drawn

Results take approx 4 weeks

RAST Test (allergy)

Tests IgE

Must be done by an
Immunologist

Skin prick with selected allergens

Results take about 10-20mins

Please call Debra to
discuss food sensitivity testing options and to book an appointment for
testing and management plans.